AU Sets the Stage for Candles and Carols 2013

The Anderson University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance will present the annual “Candles and Carols” Christmas concert on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Reardon Auditorium on the campus of Anderson University. The annual “Candles and Carols” Christmas program revives many memories for those who attend each year. Feelings of togetherness, the excitement of singing traditional Christmas hymns with thousands of friends, and hearing the familiar strains of “Silent Night” echoing through the auditorium in the glow of the candlelight encourage audience members to return to Candles and Carols each year.

“Candles and Carols is a wonderful musical experience that ushers in the Christmas season for many of us,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “The tradition of sacred texts and celebrative sounds is so worshipful and the quality of the program is always superb.”

“It is a pleasure for us to give this gift to the Anderson community. Although it is only a small token of appreciation to those who have faithfully supported us throughout the years, I know that it will be an enjoyable and memorable evening,” said Dr. Jeffrey E. Wright, dean of the Anderson University College of the Arts.

More than 250 AU students from the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance will participate during the service, including the Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. Susan Taylor; the Chamber Orchestra, directed by Gert Kumi; the Chorale and Men’s Choir, directed by Dr. Richard Sowers; the Women’s Chorus, directed by Dr. Joani Brandon; and the Dance Ensemble, choreographer, Shauna Steele.

The audience will have the opportunity to participate in the program through congregational singing and the candle lighting ceremony at the conclusion of the evening.

Anderson University’s Covenant Productions will tape the event and is distributed exclusively through American Public Television. The program will air through December. Covenant Productions will also produce a DVD and CD of the program. DVDs are $16 each and CDs are $12 each (additional $2 per order for shipping and handling) and may be ordered by calling the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at (765) 641-4450.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, music, nursing, and theology.